A major earthquake struck off the coast of Japan early Tuesday causing a small tsunami.

The 6.9 magnitude quake struck around 6 a.m. local time, 6.2 miles deep and 52 miles east-northeast of Miyako, Japan.

The quake did not initially cause a tsunami warning from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and an advisory from the Japan Meteorological Agency was quickly cancelled.  However, residents of Iwate Prefecture reported a tsunami of about three feet in height.

No significant damage was reported as a result of the small tsunami.

Iwate Prefecture is a rural area with a total population around 1.3 million.  A nuclear power plant in the region reportedly had no damage.   Local train lines have suspended operations until the tracks can be examined for damage.

The location of the quake was on the Pacific Ring of Fire.